Pietersheim Water Castle + Beech Avenue (Pietersembos) loop ~12 km (Lanaken)

ℹ️ Introduction
If you’re also tired of staying indoors 😄 (and the weather is doing its usual Belgian/Dutch thing 😅), come walk a gorgeous loop in Nationaal Park Hoge Kempen: start at the Pietersheim “Waterburcht” (moated castle) ruins, then dive into the Pietersembos with its iconic beech-tree avenue and quiet forest paths. Expect a calm, social-but-not-too-social vibe: introverts with headphones and extroverts with stories are both 100% welcome.
Read more about the hiking route on wandeleninlimburg, nationaalparkhogekempen and Komoot.

🗓️ Date & ⌛ Time
On Saturday, February 21st
, we meet at 10:30 and start walking at 10:45 (15 minutes waiting time).
If you arrive late, we’ll share live location in the WhatsApp group.

📍 Meeting point (Start/Finish)
We will meet at the entrance, end of De Merodelaan street, here is the mark on Google Maps.

Public transport is possible; the nearest bus stop listed for the gateway area is Lanaken Pietersheim bus stop.
Here is the public transport route from Maastricht Central station to Lanaken Pietersheim bus stop.
Parking is also available nearby at P2 Pietersheim-Waterburcht wandelen.

🗺️ The hiking path
* Loop hike inspired by Komoot’s route: ~12 km, ~3:00 hours, ~60 m ascent/descent
* “Intermediate” fitness level: mostly easy-to-follow paths, but there can be a few short climbs and (after wet weather) mud/slippery sections
🌿 What you’ll see
* The Pietersheim water castle ruins as a dramatic start
* Dense pine woods, old beech avenues, and the wide forest of Pietersembos.
* Small valleys and streams in the area (beautiful, especially after rain—but also when it’s dry).

🎒 What to bring
* Hiking shoes or waterproof boots 🥾 and good winter socks 🧦. There may be rain or wet grass, which can quickly make running shoes or other light shoes wet.
* Warm layers plus a waterproof poncho; an umbrella will not work well! If you carry a backpack, you might need a rain cover for it too.
* Gloves 🧤, hat, neck scarf 🧣 and/or anything else to keep your neck and head warm. It will be cold!
* Water + lunch or snacks.

🟢 ✆ WhatsApp group
Join the WhatsApp group of this particular hike for updates during the hike + sharing photos.
For future events join the Trek & Talk's WhatsApp community.

👉 Important
* Light rain won’t cancel the hike (welcome to Belgium/Netherlands 😅).
* Code orange/red weather warning ⇒ hike may be canceled last-minute.
* If there’s very low interest, the hike may be canceled.

⚠️🚨 Disclaimer
This is a casual, free, non-commercial meetup organized by hiking enthusiasts. By participating, you acknowledge that you are joining voluntarily and at your own risk. The organizers are not responsible for any personal injury, health issues, transportation, loss, damage, or costs. Each participant is fully responsible for their own safety, equipment, and well-being.